Swedish and US air forces in joint exercise in south Sweden

By: Translated by: Johanna Toll | Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters – 18 February 2022 kl: 14.32
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The Swedish Armed Forces and the US Air Force are currently conducting a joint exercise. On 18 February, Swedish fighters are escorting US B-52 Stratofortress of the Bomber Task Force in the airspace over the southern parts of Sweden.

Swedish fighter aircraft escorting US B-52
Swedish fighter aircraft escorting US B-52
Jas 39 Gripen fighter aircraft escorting US B-52. (Archive image). Photo: Swedish Armed Forces

The exercise is part of a recurring exercise pattern, and of the Swedish Armed Forces’ established cooperation with the US. Sweden is hosting and commanding the long-planned exercise. The US aircraft will descend to a lower altitude above the county of Småland. There are no risks to the public.

“This type of exercise is a vital part of Swedish defence capability. To cooperate with the US increases our capability to defend Sweden and contributes to stability and security in our region, says Lieutenant General Michael Claesson, Chief of Joint Operations of the Swedish Armed Forces.

A number of Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft are escorting the US B-52 Stratofortress into Swedish airspace. The participation of the Swedish Armed Forces in international exercises, both within and outside Swedish borders, is in line with the Swedish defence policy, and aims to develop interoperability and exercise activities in the Baltic Sea region.